Anzeige
Erschienen in:
12.10.2020 | Original Article
Circulating glial fibrillary acidic protein and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 as markers of neuronal damage in children with epileptic seizures
Erschienen in: Child's Nervous System | Ausgabe 3/2021
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhaltenAbstract
Background
Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that has a negative impact on physical, social, and cognitive function. Seizure-induced neuronal injury is one of the suggested mechanisms of epilepsy complications. We aimed to evaluate the circulating level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) as markers of neuronal damage in children with epilepsy and its relation to epilepsy characteristics.
Study design
Methods
This case control study included 30 children with epilepsy and 30 healthy children as a control group. Seizure severity was determined based on Chalfont score. Serum level of GFAP and UCH-L1were measured, and their associations with epilepsy characteristics were investigated.
Results
Circulating levels of GFAP and UCH-L1 were significantly higher in children with epilepsy than in controls (17.440 ± 6.74 and 5.700 ± 1.64 vs 7.06 ± 3.30 and 1.81 ± 0.23, respectively) especially in those with generalized and active seizures. GFAP and UCH-L1 were significantly correlated to the severity of seizures in the previous 6 months. Elevated GFAP level was a predictor for active seizures (OR 1.841, 95%CI 1.043–3.250, P = 0.035).
Conclusion
Circulating GFAP and UCH-L1 expression is increased in children with epilepsy especially those with active seizures.
Significance
GFAP and UCH-L 1may serve as peripheral biomarkers for neuronal damage in children with epilepsy that can be used to monitor disease progression and severity for early identification of those with drug-resistant epilepsy and those who are in need for epilepsy surgery.